KR20210126139A - cargo unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A stackable collapsible cargo unit is provided by the present invention, wherein the cargo unit has a standing configuration capable of defining an enclosed interior of the cargo unit and a folded configuration wherein the cargo unit can be stored and transported compactly. wherein the cargo unit has the form: a generally rectangular base having a front portion, a rear portion, and two sides, the front portion, rear portion, and each side of the base having a forklift slot , Base; a front wall and a rear wall extending upwardly from the base; first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from the base between the front wall and the rear wall, the first sidewall having a length greater than the second sidewall; and an integrated lid hingedly attached to at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls.

Description

cargo unit

[Cross-reference to related applications]

This application is accompanied by a priority claim based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/813,369, filed on March 3, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[Technical Field]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to units for the transport of cargo, and more particularly to a stackable collapsible cargo unit.

Stackable and reusable containers such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,573,427, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, are useful for transporting various types of cargo, such as by rail, offshore commerce, and the like. A fleet of containers of this type is intended to be stacked, for example, up to 4 or 5 fully loaded containers during a shipping operation, but each container in the set is a plurality of fully loaded containers stacked thereon. It is desirable to be able to support their weight. Other prior art containers are disclosed in documents CN 10315892 4B and CN 201172503 Y.

A problem with some containers is that parts such as lids, removable walls, and the like may detach from other parts during use. While permanently connecting all the parts together may potentially solve this problem, separation of the lid and walls can often be useful to facilitate loading and unloading.

Another problem associated with collapsible shipping containers is that they can be damaged in either the standing or collapsing configuration during use, for example by collision with another container and the arm of a forklift truck. Another problem is that the cargo can apply very high outward pressures against the sidewalls. One particular material that can exert a significant outward pressure against the sidewall is rubber, which may often apply an outward pressure that increases over time during transportation. Significant inward pressure and shock loads may also be applied to the sidewalls by the forklift's arms or other containers during handling. For example, when containers are delivered by rail, the stopping and starting of rolling stock may result in adjacent containers contacting, collided, and/or otherwise forced into each other.

In order to provide the necessary strength to withstand such pressures, stacking loads, and other loads associated with, for example, forklift handling, many commercial shipping containers have a relatively heavy steel construction, as a result As such, their weight can account for a significant portion of their capacity. For example, approximately 1,650 kg in commercial use. or Goodpack MBS intermediate bulk container capable of holding a load of 3,637 lbs. 126 to 136 kg. or a tare weight of 280 to 300 lbs. There is a continuing interest in providing new and improved shipping containers that function similar to existing commercial containers but have reduced tare weights.

Collapsible shipping containers often include barcode labels, RFID tags, or other means to facilitate tracking by providing a unique, machine-readable identifier for each container. In some cases, the label or tag may be difficult to access, for example in the case of a container on top of a five-layer stack. Also, such labels and tags may be damaged or worn, for example, due to impact or abrasion by forklift arms, other containers. Improvements are also needed in this area of technology.

The present invention aims to provide an improved cargo unit.

A stackable collapsible cargo unit is provided by the present invention, wherein the cargo unit has a standing configuration capable of defining an enclosed interior of the cargo unit and a folded configuration wherein the cargo unit can be stored and transported compactly. have a form The cargo unit comprises: a base having a generally rectangular base having a front part, a rear part, and two sides, the base having a forklift slot on the front part, a rear part, and each side of the base; a front wall and a rear wall extending upwardly from the base; first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from the base between the front wall and the rear wall; and an integrated lid hingedly attached to at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls.

In some embodiments, all four walls are completely detachable.

In some embodiments, the integral lid comprises a first lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a first sidewall, and a second lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second sidewall. and a lid member.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second lid members includes a free edge opposite their respective hinge edges, wherein a dimension between the hinge edge and the free edge of the first lid member is a second larger than the corresponding dimension of the lid member.

In some embodiments, each lid member comprises a first handle extending outwardly over the front wall and a second handle extending outwardly over the rear wall to facilitate lifting of the lid to open the cargo unit. 2 A handle is provided. Each handle includes a downwardly projecting end that wraps downwardly over the top of an associated front or rear wall to help maintain alignment of the lid members in the closed position and/or to add rigidity and strength to the structure. can do.

In some embodiments, each of the lid members is permanently attached to a side wall, and wherein the free ends of the lid members are adjacent to each other and in a generally horizontal closed position and of the side wall to which the lid member is associated when the cargo unit is in an upright position. It is suspended relative to the outer surface and can be pivoted over an arc of 270° range between its generally perpendicular open positions.

In some embodiments, the front wall comprises locking mechanisms capable of locking and releasable of the cargo unit in a standing configuration.

In some embodiments, the front wall comprises a lower front wall and an upper front wall pivotally connected to the lower front wall, the lower front wall comprises a locking mechanism, and the upper front wall comprises a locking mechanism; ,

When the cargo unit is in the standing configuration, either (1) the upper front wall is locked in the vertical configuration associated with the fully closed condition of the cargo unit, or (2) the cargo unit is partially opened to provide access to the interior. To facilitate, the upper front wall can be unlocked and pivoted outwardly and downwardly by an arc of approximately 180° to hang against the outer surface of the lower front wall while the lower front wall remains locked in place. .

In some embodiments, the rear wall is the same as or substantially the same as the front wall described above.

In some embodiments, each of the base and walls comprises a metal frame to which at least one generally flat, planar sheet of metal is welded or otherwise attached. The metal may be, for example, galvanized steel, and the cargo unit may have a tare weight of, for example, 70 to 100 kg., 80 to 90 kg., or approximately 84 kg.

In another embodiment, at least one of the base and walls, instead of comprising a frame in combination with a sheet or plate, is a unitary, single piece comprising an integral structural contour to provide strength and rigidity. With a unitary, one-piece stamped primary member, the cargo unit may have a tare weight significantly less than 80 kg.

Also provided by the present invention is a double cargo unit, wherein the double cargo unit has a standing configuration that can define an interior in which the cargo unit is surrounded and a folded configuration that allows the cargo unit to be stored and transported compactly, The dual cargo unit includes a pair of similar individual cargo units coupled to each other. Each of the individual cargo units is, in a standing configuration: a generally rectangular, four-sided base, provided with forklift slots on at least three sides, extending upwardly from the base to define a three-sided enclosure a base comprising a first upright wall, a second upstanding wall, and a third upstanding wall and an open side; and an integrated lid hingedly attached to at least one of the walls, wherein the individual cargo units are coupled to each other at the open side. The individual cargo units are provided by a bridge plate, a splice bar, or other structure that joins one or more of the base members, sidewalls, and lids of the individual cargo units together, and/ or by other means of connecting adjacent portions of the bases and/or sidewalls directly to each other using fasteners such as bolts, for example. In some embodiments, the bases together form a generally flat bottom, so that there is no upwardly projecting rim or any significantly upwardly projecting projections at the joints between the bases of the individual cargo units. In some embodiments, increased strength and rigidity are provided by long, narrow, detachable supports such as, for example, steel plates, steel angles, or, for example, tubular members of rectangular cross-section are extended across the joint at lid height. Engages all four of the upper sidewall corners adjacent the joint and provides support for the edge of the lid members adjacent the joint. Such a structural member may have a slot or recess for receiving the downward projections of the lid handles.

In some embodiments, the integrated lid of each individual cargo unit comprises a first lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a first sidewall and a second lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second sidewall Includes 2 lid members.

Also provided by the present invention is a method of unloading and folding a stackable collapsible cargo unit, wherein the cargo unit has an upright configuration defining an interior within which the cargo unit is enclosed and the folded cargo unit can be stored and transported compactly. Having the configuration, the cargo unit comprises: a generally rectangular base having a front portion, a rear portion, and two sides, the front portion, the rear portion, and each side having a forklift slot; Base; a front wall and a rear wall extending upwardly from the base; first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from the base between the front wall and the rear wall; a locking mechanism capable of retaining the cargo unit in a standing configuration of the cargo unit; and a lid having the two members integrated therein, in a generally horizontal position when the cargo unit is in the standing configuration.

In some embodiments, the method comprises:

(a) opening the first and second lid members by pivoting each lid member over an arc of approximately 270° about a hinge connected to each of the first and second sidewalls;

(b) removing cargo from the cargo unit;

(c) disengaging the locking mechanism on the front wall and pivoting the front wall downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the front wall rests on the base. ;

(d) releasing the locking mechanism on the rear wall and pivoting the rear wall downwardly inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the rear wall rests on the base; , wherein the pivotable connection includes a slot extending upwardly on a base, the slot permitting upward movement of the pivotable connection of the rear wall relative to the base, the sidewalls being erected by base corner posts remaining as it is;

(e) pivoting the first sidewall downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the first sidewall rests on the base, the pivotable connection to the base comprising an upwardly extending slot on the top, the slot allowing upward movement of the pivotable connection of the first sidewall relative to the base;

(f) pivoting a second sidewall downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the second sidewall rests on the base, the pivotable connection to the base comprising an upwardly extending slot on the top, the slot allowing upward movement of the pivotable connection of the second sidewall relative to the base; and

(g) pivoting the second lid member about a hinge for connection to the second sidewall over an arc of approximately 180°, such that the second lid member rests on the first lid member and not on the second lid member; , reducing the height of the foldable cargo unit, step; may include.

In some embodiments, a method of erecting and loading a collapsible cargo unit may include performing the above steps in reverse. In some embodiments, the method of folding or erecting a dual cargo unit described above includes the same steps as described above, except that the steps with respect to the rear walls do not apply, but with respect to the other wall, separate The above steps need to be performed for each of the cargo units.

In some embodiments involving the loading and unloading of individual cargo units or dual cargo units described above, any number of walls may be disengaged from the base prior to said loading or unloading and then placed in place. This facilitates access to the interior from one or more sides, which may be useful, for example, including manual loading or unloading, or when using a forklift for loading or unloading.

In various embodiments, it is contemplated that any number of features disclosed herein may be used in combination with each other to the extent practicable, and are encompassed by the present invention. It is also contemplated that, in various embodiments, any number of the features disclosed in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 8,573,427 may be used in combination with one or more of the features disclosed herein to the extent practicable, which is encompassed by the present invention. do.

1 shows a perspective view of an individual cargo unit in a standing configuration.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration;
3 shows a perspective view of a dual cargo unit in a standing configuration.
4 shows a perspective view of the dual cargo unit of FIG. 3 in a folded configuration;
Fig. 5a shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of Fig. 1 , with the lid members rotated to an open position.
Fig. 5b shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of Fig. 1, with the front wall in the collapsed position.
Fig. 5c shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of Fig. 1 with the rear wall in the collapsed position.
FIG. 5d shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of FIG. 1 , with the first sidewall in the collapsed position;
FIG. 5e shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of FIG. 1 , with the second sidewall in the collapsed position.
FIG. 5f shows a perspective view of the individual cargo unit of FIG. 1 , with the lid members of the second wall rotated to extend over the lid members of the first wall in a collapsed configuration;
6 shows a perspective view of another cargo unit in a standing configuration.
7 shows a bottom view of the cargo unit of FIG. 6 .
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional rear view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 .
FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the cargo unit of FIG. 6 in a folded configuration.
11 shows a rear view of a plurality of collapsible cargo units in a stacked configuration.

1 and 2 , there is a stackable collapsible cargo in which the cargo unit 20 has a standing configuration defining an enclosed interior and a folded configuration in which the cargo unit 20 can be compactly stored and transported. Unit 20 is shown. The cargo unit 20 includes a generally rectangular base 22 having a front portion 24, a rear portion, and two sides 26, the front portion, rear portion, and a forklift slot 28 on each side. ), the front wall 30 and the rear wall 32 extend upwardly from the base 22 , and the first side wall 34 and the second side wall 36 are the front wall 30 and the rear wall An integrated lid extending upward from the base 22 between the 32 and hingedly attached to one or more of the front wall, the back wall, and the side wall is provided.

In some embodiments, all four walls are completely detachable.

In some embodiments, the integral lid comprises a first lid member 38 comprising a hinged edge 40 hingedly attached to a first sidewall 34 and a hinge hingedly attached to a second sidewall 36 . and a second lid member 42 comprising an edge 44 . In some embodiments, the first lid member 38 and the second lid member 42 each comprise a free edge 46, 48 opposite the hinge edge, the first lid member 38 and the second lid member greater than 42 , and the dimension between the hinge edge 40 and the free edge 46 is greater than the corresponding dimension of the second lid member 42 . In some embodiments, each lid member has a first handle 50 and a rear wall 32 extending outwardly over the front wall 30 to facilitate lifting of the lid for opening of the cargo unit 20 . ) and a second handle 52 extending outwardly over. Each handle 50 may include a downwardly projecting end that wraps down over the top of the associated front or rear wall to help maintain the lid members in a closed position and/or to add strength and rigidity to the structure. .

In some embodiments, each of the lid members is permanently attached to the sidewall, in a generally horizontal closed position in which the free ends of the lid members abut one another and in which the lid member is suspended against an outer surface of the associated sidewall when the cargo unit is upright. It can be pivoted in an arc range of 270° between fully vertical open positions.

In some embodiments, the front wall 30 includes a releasable locking mechanism 54 capable of locking the cargo unit 20 in a standing configuration. In some embodiments, the front wall 30 includes a lower front wall 56 and an upper front wall 58 pivotally connected thereto, the lower front wall 56 including a locking mechanism, and The barrier 58 includes a locking mechanism, and when the cargo unit 20 is in the upright configuration, the upper front wall 58 is either (1) locked in the vertical configuration associated with the fully closed position of the cargo unit or (2) ) to facilitate access to the interior by partially opening the cargo unit 20, while providing containment for the lower portion of the cargo, while the lower front wall 56 remains locked in place; It can be unlocked and pivoted in an outwardly downward direction by an arc in a range of approximately 180° to hang against the outer surface of the lower front wall 56 . In some embodiments, the rear wall 32 may be the same or substantially the same as the front wall 30 as described above.

In some embodiments, each of the base and walls comprises a metal frame, and one or more generally flat and planar metal sheets or plates are attached to the frame, such as by welding. Each frame may include a generally rectangular perimeter, and one or more stiffeners may be included within the perimeter. The metal may be, for example, galvanized steel, and the cargo unit may have a tare weight of, for example, 70 to 100 kg., 80 to 90 kg., or approximately 84 kg. In another embodiment, instead of comprising a frame in combination with a sheet or plate at least one of the base and walls, the primary stamped into a single, unitary piece comprising integral structural contours to provide strength and rigidity. member), and the cargo unit may have a tare weight significantly less than 80 kg.

3 and 4 show a dual cargo unit 60 comprising a pair of similar individual cargo units 62 coupled back to back, wherein each of the individual cargo units each does not include a rear wall. It is similar to the one described above except for the point. Thus, in this embodiment the individual cargo units are joined at their respective open sides. The individual cargo units are provided by a bridge plate, a splice bar, or other structure that joins one or more of the base members, sidewalls, and lids of the individual cargo units together, and/ or by other means of connecting adjacent portions of the bases and/or sidewalls directly to each other using fasteners 64 , such as bolts, for example. In some embodiments, the bases together form a generally flat bottom, so that there is no upwardly projecting rim or any significantly upwardly projecting projections at the joints between the bases of the individual cargo units. In some embodiments, increased strength and rigidity are provided by long, narrow, detachable supports 66 such as, for example, steel plates, steel angles, or, for example, a tubular member of rectangular cross-section is provided at the joint at lid level. It extends across to engage all four upper sidewall corners adjacent the engagement portion and provide support for the edge of the lid members adjacent the engagement portion. Such a structural member may have a slot or recess 68 to receive the downward projections of the lid handles.

In some embodiments, the integrated lid of each individual cargo unit comprises a first lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a first sidewall and a second lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second sidewall two lid members, the edges of the lid members being disposed superimposed on the front walls, the side walls, and the support (66).

5A to 5F , the method of unloading and folding the above-described stackable collapsible cargo unit to change its configuration from the configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes the following steps may include

a. First lid member 38 by pivoting each lid member in an arc extent of approximately 270° about a hinge that provides a connection to each of the first and second sidewalls 34 and 36 shown in FIG. 53A . and opening the second lid member (42);

b. removing cargo from the cargo unit;

c. Release the locking mechanism 54 on the front wall 30 and pivot the front wall 30 downwardly inward over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base. ) seated on the base 22 as shown in Figure 5b;

d. With the first sidewall 34 and the second sidewall 36 upright and supported by the base corner posts, release the locking mechanism 54 on the rear wall 32 and release the rear wall 32 pivoting downwardly inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base, thereby seating the rear wall (32) on the front wall (30) as shown in FIG. 5C;

e. By pivoting the first sidewall 34 downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base, the first sidewall 34 becomes the rear wall 32 as shown in FIG. 5D . seated on the phase;

f. By pivoting the second sidewall 36 downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base, the second sidewall 36 is connected to the first lid member ( 38) seating on the phase; and

g. By pivoting the second lid member 42 over an arc in a range of approximately 180 DEG about the hinge for connection with the second sidewall 36, the second lid member 42 can be displaced as shown in FIG. 5F. 2 seating on the first lid member (38) rather than the sidewall (36), thereby reducing the height of the folded cargo unit.

In some embodiments, a method of erecting and loading a collapsible cargo unit may include performing the above steps in reverse. In some embodiments, the method of folding or erecting a dual cargo unit described above includes the same steps as described above, except that the steps with respect to the rear walls do not apply, but with respect to the other wall, separate The above steps need to be performed for each of the cargo units.

In some embodiments involving the loading and unloading of individual cargo units or dual cargo units described above, any number of walls may be disengaged from the base prior to said loading or unloading and then placed in place. This facilitates access to the interior from one or more sides, which may be useful, for example, including manual loading or unloading, or when using a forklift for loading or unloading.

The cargo unit 20 may include an identification component 70 that includes an RFID tag, barcode label, and/or other identifier within a slot of the base 22 . This location provides protection from damage due to contact between the cargo units, and also protection from contact with the forklift arm or other potential source of damage.

In some embodiments, cargo unit 20 has dimensions of 1150 x 995 x 835 mm, which may help to provide a “one dimension fits all” feature.

As will be described in detail below with respect to the cargo unit 100 , the length of the first sidewall 34 (ie, the vertical length in the upstanding configuration) may be different from the length of the second sidewall 36 . As such, the first lid member 38 can lie flat (eg, generally flush) with the first sidewall 34 to reduce the height of the stacked walls in the collapsed configuration.

Referring to FIG. 6 , another cargo unit 100 is shown. The cargo unit 100 may be the same as the cargo unit 20 of FIGS. 1-5F . For example, the cargo unit 100 includes a generally rectangular base 122 having a front portion 124 , a rear portion, and two sides 126 , and includes a front portion, a rear portion, and each side. A forklift slot 128 is provided, the front wall 130 and the rear wall 132 extend upward from the base 122 , and the first side wall 134 and the second side wall 136 are the front wall 130 . ) and the rear wall 132, extending upwardly from the base 122, and an integrated lid is hingedly attached to one or more of the front, rear, and side walls. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 8 , the first sidewall 134 may have a length shorter than the length of the second sidewall 136 .

In some embodiments, all four walls are completely detachable.

In some embodiments, the integrated lid comprises a first lid member 138 comprising a hinged edge 140 hingedly attached to a first sidewall 134 and a hinge hingedly attached to a second sidewall 126 . and a second lid member 142 comprising an edge 144 . In some embodiments, the first lid member 138 and the second lid member 142 each include a free edge 146, 148 opposite the hinge edge, the first lid member 138 and the second lid member greater than 142 , and the dimension between the hinge edge 140 and the free edge 146 is greater than the corresponding dimension of the second lid member 142 . In some embodiments, each lid member has a first handle 150 and a rear wall 132 extending outwardly over the front wall 130 to facilitate lifting of the lid for opening of the cargo unit 100 . ) and a second handle 152 extending outwardly over. Each handle may include a downwardly projecting end that wraps down over the top of the associated front or rear wall to help maintain the lid members in the closed position and/or to add strength and rigidity to the structure.

In some embodiments, each of the lid members 138 , 142 is permanently attached to a sidewall, and in a generally horizontal closed position in which the free ends of the lid members abut each other and of the associated sidewall when the cargo unit 100 is erected. The lid member can be pivoted in an arc range of 270° between its generally vertical open position in which it hangs relative to the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the front wall 130 includes a releasable locking mechanism 154 capable of locking the cargo unit in a standing configuration. In some embodiments, the front wall 130 includes a lower front wall 156 and an upper front wall 158 pivotally connected thereto, the lower front wall 156 includes a locking mechanism, and the upper front wall 156 includes a locking mechanism. The barrier 158 includes a locking mechanism, and when the cargo unit 100 is in the upright configuration, the upper front wall 158 is (1) locked in the vertical configuration associated with the fully closed condition of the cargo unit 100, or or (2) the lower front wall 156 is in place to facilitate access to the interior by partially opening the cargo unit 100 while unlocked to provide containment for the lower portion of the cargo. In a locked state, it can pivot and suspend outwardly downwards by an arc of approximately 180° with respect to the outer surface of the lower front wall 156 . In some embodiments, the rear wall 132 is a vertically offset pivot axis such that when standing up, the lower edges of the front and rear walls have slightly different heights while the upper edges of the front and rear walls are coplanar. It may be the same or substantially the same as the front wall 130, except that it may have a different height to accommodate them.

In some embodiments, each of the base and walls comprises a metal frame, and one or more generally flat and planar metal sheets or plates are attached to the frame, such as by welding. Each frame may include a generally rectangular perimeter, and one or more stiffeners may be included within the perimeter. The metal may be, for example, galvanized steel, and the cargo unit may have a tare weight of, for example, 70 to 100 kg., 80 to 90 kg., or approximately 84 kg. In another embodiment, instead of comprising a frame in combination with a sheet or plate at least one of the base and walls, the primary stamped into a single, unitary piece comprising integral structural contours to provide strength and rigidity. member), and the cargo unit may have a tare weight significantly less than 80 kg.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the base 122 of the cargo unit 100 includes a lower front frame 160 , a lower rear frame 162 on the opposite side of the lower front frame 160 , a first lower side frame 164 , and a second lower side frame 166 opposite the first lower side frame 164 . The lower frames extend between the corner posts 170 of the base 122 . The lower front frame 160 and the lower rear frame 162 have a common length greater than a common length of the first lower side frame 164 and the second lower side frame 166 . For example, each of the lower front frame 160 and lower rear frame 162 may have a length approximately 15% longer than the first lower side frame 164 and the second lower side frame 166 . This causes the lower frames to cooperate to form the rectangular base 122 . In addition, the base 122 extends between the support structure 172 extending between the lower front frame 160 and the lower rear frame 162 , and the first lower side frame 164 and the second lower side frame 166 . and a transverse support structure 174 that is The transverse support structure 174 may extend at right angles to the support structure 172 . The support structure 172 and the transverse support structure 174 cooperate to support the bottom 176 of the base 122 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the base 122 includes a first upright side portion 180 extending vertically between the hinge edge 184 of the first sidewall 134 and the first lower side frame 164 , and a second and a second upstanding side portion 182 extending vertically between the hinged edge 186 of the sidewall 136 and the second lower side frame 166 . The first upright side portion 180 and the second upright side portion 182 may be a fixed upright wall. For example, the first upright side portion 180 and the second upright side portion 182 may be integrally formed with the base 122 .

The first upright side portion 180 and the second upright side portion 182 of the base 122 may have different vertical lengths. 8 , the first upright side portion 180 extends to a first vertical height, denoted 190 , and the second upright side portion 182 is vertically higher (ie, from the ground surface). higher), up to a second vertical height, denoted 192 .

The first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136 may be hingedly secured to a base adjacent the first upright side portion 180 and the second upstanding side portion 182 . Specifically, the hinged edge 184 of the first sidewall 134 is hingedly attached to the corner post 170 of the base 122 such that the first sidewall 134 pivots about the first pivot 194 . can be made possible The hinged edge 186 of the second sidewall 136 is hingedly attached to the corner posts 170 of the base 122 such that the second sidewall 136 is vertically offset from the first pivot axis 194 . It may be pivotable about a second pivot axis 196 that is As shown, the second pivot axis 196 is vertically higher (ie, higher from the ground surface) than the first pivot axis 194 .

As described above, the first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136 may have different lengths. The length of the side wall referred to herein means the vertical dimension when the side wall is in the upright position and the horizontal dimension when the side wall is in the folded position. As shown, the first sidewall 134 can have a length, denoted 200 , that is greater than the length of the second sidewall 136 denoted 202 .

Thereby, the vertical height 190 of the first upright side portion 180 and the length 200 of the first sidewall 134 are combined to form a combined length 204 of the first side of the cargo unit 100 and , the vertical height 192 of the second upright side portion 182 and the length 202 of the second sidewall 136 are combined to form a combined length 206 of the second side of the cargo unit 100, The first combined length 204 is made substantially equal to the second combined length 206 . Thereby, the two sides 126 of the cargo unit 100 extend at a substantially common height.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the front wall 130 has a length 210 that is substantially equal to the length 212 of the rear wall 132 .

The cargo unit 100 can be folded into the folded configuration shown in FIG. 10 , in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5F . For example, the first lid member 138 and the second lid member 142 each over an arc of approximately 270° about a hinge connected to each of the first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136 by a user. can pivot. With the first lid member 138 and the second lid member 142 seated vertically along the first sidewall 134 and the second sidewall 136 (in a manner similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 5A ) , the operator may remove the cargo from the cargo unit 100 .

The user can then release the locking mechanism 154 on the front wall 130 , and move the front wall 130 downward over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base 122 . It can be pivoted inward, whereby the front wall 130 rests on the base 22 (similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 5B ).

The user can then release the locking mechanism 154 on the rear wall 132 and move the rear wall 132 downward over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base 122 . pivot inward, whereby the rear wall 132 rests on the front wall 130 (similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 5C ), with the side walls 134 , 136 supporting the base corner posts It is supported by the pole and held upright.

The user can then pivot the first sidewall 134 downwardly inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base, such that the first sidewall 134 is It rests on the rear wall 132 (similar to the configuration shown). and the user may pivot the second sidewall 136 downwardly inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about the pivotable connection to the base 122 , such that the second sidewall 136 ( FIG. 5E ) is seated on the first lid member 138 ).

To reduce the height of the cargo unit 100 in the collapsed configuration, the user may position the second lid member 142 over an arc approximately 180° about the hinge for connection with the second sidewall 136 . pivotable, so that the second lid member 142 rests on the first lid member 138 rather than the second sidewall 136 .

As such, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the folded configuration, the front wall 130 contacts and is supported by the bottom 176 of the base 122 , and the rear wall 132 is supported by the front wall 130 . is in contact with and supported by it. The first sidewall 134 contacts and is supported by the rear wall 132 , wherein the first lid member 138 is folded and supported by the first sidewall 134 . The distal end 220 of the second sidewall 136 contacts and is supported by the first lid member 138 with the proximal end spaced apart from the rear wall 132 . The second lid member 142 is rotated to contact and support the first lid member 138 . As shown, the combined length of the second sidewall 136 and the second lid member 142 corresponds to or is less than the internal dimension (eg, internal length) of the cargo unit 100 . This allows the second sidewall 136 and the second lid member 142 to be at least partially coplanar without interference with an opposing surface, such as, for example, the post 170 . Alternatively, the combined length of the second sidewall 136 and the second lid member 142 may exceed an internal dimension (eg, internal length) of the cargo unit 100 . In this scheme, the second lid member 142 may be dimensioned to lie between the posts 170 so that it does not interfere with the planar orientation of the second lid member 142 .

According to one form, the combined length of the first sidewall 132 and the first lid member 138 may exceed an internal dimension (eg, internal length) of the cargo unit 100 . According to another aspect, the combined length of the first sidewall 132 and the first lid member 138 may exceed an internal dimension (eg, internal length) of the cargo unit 100 .

In this manner, the front wall 130 , the rear wall 132 , the first side wall 134 , the first lid member 1380 , and the second side wall 136 in the unfolded state of the second lid member 142 . By folding the , a compact folded configuration of the cargo unit 100 is provided. Specifically, the height of the stacked walls and lid members is reduced by the thickness of the second lid member 142 , which may be, for example, approximately 26 mm. Due to such a compact configuration, a compact stacking of a plurality of cargo units 100 is possible.

For example, referring to FIG. 11 , a plurality of cargo units 100 and 100 ′ may be stacked. In the stacked configuration, the lower frame structure of the upper cargo unit 100 ′ is spaced (eg, vertically spaced) from the stacked walls and lids of the lower cargo unit 100 . Specifically, the lower rear frame 162 ′ of the base 122 ′ of the upper cargo unit 100 ′ is spaced apart from the second lid member 142 and the second side wall 136 of the lower cargo unit 100 . In a stacked configuration, the upper portion 230 of the corner post 170 of the lower cargo unit 100 may receive the receiving portion 232' of the lower portion 234' of the upper cargo unit 100'. (Alternatively, it may be accommodated in the accommodating part 232').

From the above description, here is a complete metallic cargo unit with four fully detachable doors, integral lids collapsible to the associated walls, and a collapsible half door with latches as one unit. It should be understood that a recoverable, individually and uniquely identifiable and traceable cargo unit has been disclosed and described. In some embodiments, the cargo unit is a truck, trailer, rail vehicle, and ISO 40 ft. Can provide maximum capacity utilization within containers (eg, one dimension fits all).

In various embodiments, it is contemplated that any number of features disclosed herein may be used in combination with each other to the extent practicable, and are encompassed by the present invention. It is also contemplated that, in various embodiments, any number of the features disclosed in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 8,573,427 may be used in combination with one or more of the features disclosed herein to the extent practicable, which is encompassed by the present invention. do.

Disclosed herein are examples and embodiments of a cargo unit and methods of use and operation thereof. Terms such as front, rear, side, vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, etc. are used to describe the drawings disclosed herein.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a wide variety of modifications, changes, and combinations can be made with respect to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Such modifications, variations, and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Also, it should be understood that features of one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with features of another embodiment disclosed herein to provide other embodiments as desired.

Claims (20)

A stackable collapsible cargo unit comprising:
the cargo unit has a standing configuration capable of defining an interior within which the cargo unit is enclosed and a folded configuration wherein the cargo unit can be stored and transported compactly;
The cargo unit comprises:
a base having a generally rectangular shape having a front portion, a rear portion, and two sides, the base having a forklift slot on the front portion, the rear portion, and each side of the base;
a front wall and a rear wall extending upwardly from the base;
first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from the base between the front wall and the rear wall, the first sidewall having a length greater than the second sidewall; and
an integrated lid hingedly attached to at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls. According to claim 1,
wherein the base comprises a first fixed vertical wall adjacent the first sidewall and a second fixed vertical wall adjacent the second sidewall, the second fixed vertical wall extending to a height greater than the first fixed vertical wall. According to claim 1,
The integrated lid comprises a first lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a first sidewall and a second lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second sidewall; , cargo units. According to claim 1,
In a collapsed configuration, the first lid member is rotated to rest on the first sidewall and the second lid member is generally flush with the second sidewall. 5. The method of claim 4,
Each of the first lid member and the second lid member includes a free edge opposite its respective hinge edge, the dimension between the hinge edge and the free edge of the first lid member being a corresponding dimension of the second lid member. Larger than dimension, cargo unit. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein each lid member has a first handle extending outwardly over the front wall and a second handle extending outwardly over the rear wall. 7. The method of claim 6,
Each of the lid members is permanently attached to a side wall, and has a closed position with the free ends of the lid members adjacent to each other and generally horizontal, and an open generally perpendicular and suspended against the outer surface of the associated side wall with the lid member. A cargo unit that can be pivoted over an arc of a range of 270° between positions. 8. The method of claim 7,
wherein said front wall comprises locking mechanisms capable of locking said cargo unit in a standing configuration and releasable. 9. The method of claim 8,
the front wall comprises a lower front wall and an upper front wall pivotally connected to the lower front wall, the lower front wall comprises a locking mechanism, and the upper front wall comprises a locking mechanism;
When the cargo unit is in the standing configuration, either (1) the upper front wall is locked in the vertical configuration associated with the fully closed condition of the cargo unit, or (2) the cargo unit is partially opened to provide access to the interior. To facilitate, the upper front wall can be unlocked and pivoted outwardly and downwardly by an arc of approximately 180° to hang against the outer surface of the lower front wall while the lower front wall remains locked in place. , cargo units. 10. The method of claim 9,
wherein each of the front wall, the rear wall, and the side wall is completely separable from the base. 11. The method of claim 10,
wherein each of the base and walls comprises a metal frame to which at least one sheet of metal is welded or otherwise attached. 11. The method of claim 10,
at least one of the base and walls is a unitary, one-piece stamped primary member including an integral structural contour to provide strength and rigidity A cargo unit comprising a. According to claim 1,
The cargo unit is made of galvanized steel and has a tare weight of approximately 80 to 90 kg. A double cargo unit comprising:
The dual cargo unit has a standing configuration capable of defining an interior within which the cargo unit is enclosed and a folded configuration allowing the cargo unit to be stored and transported compactly;
wherein the dual cargo unit comprises a pair of similar individual cargo units coupled to each other;
Each of the individual cargo units, in a standing configuration:
A base generally rectangular and having four sides, wherein at least three sides are provided with forklift slots, a first upright wall extending upwardly from the base to define an enclosure on three sides, a second upright wall, and a base comprising a third upstanding wall and an open side; and
an integrated lid hingedly attached to at least one of the walls;
wherein the individual cargo units are joined together at an open side. 15. The method of claim 14,
The integrated lid of each individual cargo unit comprises a first lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a first wall and a second lid member comprising a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second wall; , dual cargo units. 16. The method of claim 15,
A first upstanding wall of one of the individual cargo units includes a lower front wall and an upper front wall pivotally connected to the lower front wall, the lower front wall including a locking mechanism, the upper front wall including a locking mechanism including,
When the dual cargo unit is in the standing configuration, either (1) the upper front wall is locked in the vertical configuration associated with the fully closed condition of the cargo unit, or (2) the cargo unit is partially opened to access the interior. To facilitate operation, the upper front wall can be unlocked and folded outwardly downward by an arc of approximately 180° to hang against the outer surface of the lower front wall while the lower front wall remains locked in place. with a double cargo unit. 17. The method of claim 16,
wherein each of the upright walls is completely separable from the base. 18. The method of claim 17,
wherein each of the base and upstanding walls comprises a metal frame to which at least one sheet of metal is welded or otherwise attached. 19. The method of claim 18,
Each of the base and walls comprises a unitary, one-piece stamped primary member comprising an integral structural contour to provide strength and rigidity. which is a double cargo unit. A method of unloading and folding a stackable collapsible cargo unit comprising:
the cargo unit has a standing configuration defining an interior within which the cargo unit is enclosed and a folded configuration in which the cargo unit can be stored and transported compactly;
The cargo unit comprises:
a base having a generally rectangular base having a front portion, a rear portion, and two sides, the base having a forklift slot on the front portion, the rear portion, and each side;
a front wall and a rear wall extending upwardly from the base;
first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from the base between the front wall and the rear wall;
a locking mechanism capable of retaining the cargo unit in a standing configuration of the cargo unit; and
wherein the cargo unit is in a generally horizontal position when in the standing configuration, the two members comprising an integral lid;
The method is:
(a) opening the first and second lid members by pivoting each lid member over an arc of approximately 270° about a hinge connected to each of the first and second sidewalls;
(b) removing cargo from the cargo unit;
(c) disengaging the locking mechanism on the front wall and pivoting the front wall downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the front wall rests on the base. ;
(d) releasing the locking mechanism on the rear wall and pivoting the rear wall downwardly inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the rear wall rests on the base; , wherein the pivotable connection includes a slot extending upwardly on a base, the slot permitting upward movement of the pivotable connection of the rear wall relative to the base, the sidewalls being erected by base corner posts remaining as it is;
(e) pivoting the first sidewall downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the first sidewall rests on the base, the pivotable connection to the base comprising an upwardly extending slot on the top, wherein the slot allows upward movement of the pivotable connection of the first sidewall relative to the base;
(f) pivoting a second sidewall downwardly and inwardly over an arc of approximately 90° about a pivotable connection to the base such that the second sidewall rests on the base, the pivotable connection to the base comprising an upwardly extending slot on the top, the slot allowing upward movement of the pivotable connection of the second sidewall relative to the base; and
(g) pivoting the second lid member about a hinge for connection to the second sidewall over an arc of approximately 180°, such that the second lid member rests on the first lid member and not on the second lid member; , reducing the height of the collapsible cargo unit.

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